Kolkata, 26 September (H.S.): Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the iconic Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja pandal in northern Kolkata on Friday. Arriving at 11:20 a.m., Shah observed this year's theme, Operation Sindoor, which depicts the Indian Army's counter-terrorism operations following the Pahalgam terror attack.

The Union Home Minister's visit is considered politically significant in view of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. After inaugurating the puja, he prayed to Goddess Durga, saying, After this election, a government will be formed in Bengal that will build 'Sonar Bangla.' Our Bengal will once again be safe, prosperous, and peaceful.

Shah also expressed condolences to the families of those killed, citing recent accidents caused by heavy rains and lightning. More than 10 people have died in this natural disaster so far. With the opposition already targeting the state government on this issue, Shah's remarks are being seen as a political message.

BJP leader and Kolkata Municipal Corporation member Sajal Ghosh is playing a key role in organizing this puja at Santosh Mitra Square. Notably, Amit Shah also inaugurated this same pavilion in 2023, when the theme was Ram Temple.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey